8 Disney Resort Restaurants That Should Be On Your Bucket List

Everyone loves to eat! Disney is fully aware of this and has created so many wonderful and unique dining experiences within their parks so that when you sit down in the midst of your crazy, fun-filled day, you can have a top-notch time while eating some great food. What about the dining at the resorts though? If you were like me when you started planning your vacation to Disney, you probably didn’t realize how many great options there are outside of the parks and how easily accessible they are to all guests.

From unique character dining, to dinner shows, and lots of restaurants that will not break the bank; this list is a compilation of Disney Resort Restaurants that you must experience in your lifetime!

8. 1900 Park Fare- Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian Resort is my personal favorite hotel to visit and this restaurant is one of the main reasons. 1900 Park Fare offers three dining options that you do not want to miss. The first is a breakfast with some of the most beloved Disney characters of all time. Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter all stop by your table. Your kids will love it! The Mad Hatter is definitely a character that is fun to have breakfast with because of his over-the-top antics. The second is a tea party hosted by the Wonderland characters where your children can decorate cupcakes while listening to stories and spending time with Alice. The third is a character dinner with all the characters from Cinderella.

7. Whispering Canyon Café – Wilderness Lodge

You’ll find this restaurant just as you walk into the doors of the lobby on the left. While you’re waiting to be seated, look around at the hotel and explore because the rustic, outdoor theme is magnificent. Whispering Canyon Café provides you and your family with a dinner like no other. Each guest will feel like they’re in one big game the whole time. Each waiter/waitress is a character from an old western town, and if you’re not careful they’ll get sassy with you. There’s sing along time, horse races, and lots of laughing. The portions are big, so my husband and I were able to split a meal, and the prices are very reasonable. If you stop on by this “rootinist-tootinist” good time, you will not regret it. Don’t forget to ask for ketchup!

6. California Grill – Contemporary

This restaurant has quickly become one of my favorites on all of Disney property. On the top of the Contemporary is where you can find California Grill and it’s breathtaking view of the Magic Kingdom and the surrounding resorts. My husband and I celebrated our first night of our honeymoon there, and it’s now a place we can’t miss when we go back. The food is on a higher scale, so be a little cautious before you bring little ones with picky appetites; however, this is a perfect place for a romantic date, or a night out with friends. I suggest the sushi…it’s divine! If you have an earlier reservation, keep your receipt so you can use it as a voucher to get back into the restaurant when Wishes Fireworks begin. You can step out onto the balcony and get a perfect view of the show! Extra tip: If you’re not wanting to spend a ton of money on dinner, but still want the great view and experience, get a reservation around 9:00 pm right before the Fireworks start and just order dessert!

5. Victoria and Albert’s – Grand Floridian

This is another restaurant I would consider for just the two of you, and you may need to save up for! Victoria and Albert’s is the picture of elegance for dining, and one of the most beautiful spots in The Grand Floridian Hotel. The menu changes daily, and the wine is award winning. Don’t forget to dress in your Sunday’s best though, there’s a very strict dress code to go along with the lavish environment. If you really want to experience something special, I suggest the Chef’s Table. The dinner can only hold up to ten guests and the chef prepares the personalized ten-course meal himself. Talk about a serious dinner party!

4. Landscape of Flavors – Art of Animation

Art of Animation is a value resort, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t hold one of the best restaurants on property. Landscape of Flavors is a massive food court with tons of unique options to choose from. From fun meals for the kids like a create- your-own pizza, pasta, or burger station, to exotic meals like Lentil Crusted Fish served with a side of Naan bread, there is something here for everyone. The options are endless so get adventurous! If the weather permits, sit outside during your meal and watch as people play in the largest pool on all of Disney Property. After you finish your meal, take a stroll while you eat your gelato (yes, they do have a gelato station!) and enjoy the resort because it offers beautiful Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and Little Mermaid themed areas that are great for pictures.

3. Hoop-Dee-Do Musical Revue – Fort Wilderness

If you’re in the mood for some really good food and a great show, head over to the Hoop-Dee-Do for a serious good time. This dining experience has had guests laughing for years. It’s a cute Western show that will make you laugh and get you singing and dancing with the funny group of performers. It’s not just something that’s great to watch though! My husband maintains those are the best ribs he has had on Disney Property. My favorite restaurants are the places that both kids and adults can thoroughly enjoy, and Hoop-Dee-Do Musical Revue is one of those places.

2. Spirit of Aloha Dinner – The Polynesian Resort

This is something I insist you do in your lifetime, especially if you don’t plan on heading over to Hawaii anytime soon. The setting is an outdoor stage area that makes you feel like you just stepped into a real Hawaiian Luau. With all you can eat authentic Polynesian cuisine and an amazing spectacle to go along with it, you’re bound to have a great time. The program consists of a sweet storyline about family and friends sending off one of their own to go to college featuring dances and tricks performed from the different cultures of Polynesia. The theater is fairly small, so there is not a bad seat in the house; it’s perfect for a romantic evening out, or a fun night with the kids. My favorite part is when they ask the little ones to dance along with them. So precious!

Bonus Tip!

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1. Beaches and Cream Soda Shop – Beach Club Resort

This fun and lower priced option is sure to be a hit with your whole family. Make sure to get reservations because this place is themed after an old fashion soda fountain and seats only around fifty people. It has a beautiful view of the Beach Club pool and their desserts are absolutely to die for. My husband and I enjoyed their normal sundae but next time we are in we are going to be brave and try their famous kitchen sink! Eight scoops of ice cream, an entire can of whipped cream, and every topping they have in a literal kitchen sink. When it comes out, just wait for the surprise…you and your kids will love it! If you don’t have a reservation but still want to enjoy one of their desserts, stop in to their carryout section, and you can get something to walk around the resort with.

I hope you’ll be able to experience these restaurants at some point and you’ll have an experience you’ll never forget! Remember to get your reservations in as soon as possible! Have fun and bon appétit!

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best price for your vacation, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!